The role of New Jersey’s lieutenant governor is a fairly new state government position that began under former Gov. Chris Christie.
In celebration of Black History Month and the accomplishments of African Americans in the state, News 12 New Jersey’s Naomi Yané highlights the woman who currently holds the position, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way.
She’s been the Secretary of State since 2018 and under the constitution, the lieutenant governor also holds a Cabinet position.
In her role as lieutenant governor, the mom of four and wife serves alongside Gov. Phil Murphy. Way has been lieutenant governor since Sept. 8, 2023 , stepping into the position of her close, personal friend and mentor Sheila Oliver who died after a short hospitalization.
RESOURCES: 6 resources to teach your children about Black History Month
As Way continues to settle into the role and make it her own, she says she also wants to honor her predecessor’s legacy.
“I feel highly privileged serving as the lieutenant governor for our Gov. Phil Murphy and of course still continuing my role as New Jersey Secretary of State,” she said.